California Offers Free Admission to 200+ Parks on MLK Day

UPDATE: California is taking a stand against the recent decision by President Donald Trump to eliminate free admission to national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In an urgent announcement, Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that over 200 state parks will offer free vehicle admission this upcoming holiday, demonstrating a commitment to honoring Dr. King’s legacy.

During a press conference in San Francisco on Friday, Newsom revealed that the state raised private funds to cover the costs of granting free entry. The funds were secured through the California State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for the state’s parks. “While Trump works to erase Dr. King’s legacy, California will honor it,” Newsom emphasized in his remarks.

On Monday, January 15, vehicles with up to nine passengers will be admitted free of charge to participating parks. A complete list of these parks can be found on the California State Parks’ official website. However, some locations may still charge fees, particularly those with off-highway vehicle areas or guided tours like Hearst Castle.

This move comes in direct response to Trump’s administration, which has previously canceled free admission for significant federal holidays, including Juneteenth, which marks the end of slavery in the U.S. Instead, Trump’s birthday, June 14, was added to the list of free entry days for 2026, prompting backlash from civil rights organizations. The NAACP condemned this decision in December, expressing that eliminating free access on MLK Day and Juneteenth diminishes Black history and resilience.

Newsom did not hold back during the press conference, stating, “MLK Day [has] now been shifted to Trump Day. Again, what more evidence do we need on what the hell is going on in the United States of America?” His remarks reflect the frustration felt by many regarding the ongoing controversies surrounding the Trump administration and its policies on national parks.

In addition to these changes, the administration has faced criticism over new park passes featuring Trump’s image, leading environmental nonprofits to take legal action against the Department of the Interior. Officials have cautioned that altering the passes, such as covering Trump’s image with stickers, could render them invalid.

As California prepares for MLK Day with free park admissions, the focus remains on honoring Dr. King’s profound impact while standing in opposition to federal policies deemed disrespectful to civil rights history. The state’s actions underscore a commitment to accessibility and education in the face of changing federal directives.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. For further information, visit the California State Parks website or follow our coverage on top California stories.